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JUVENILE SEXUALIZED BEHAVIOR: Abnormal Behaviors

Sexual behavior differs depending on a child or adolescent's age and stage of development. Some sexual behavior, however, can be a problem for the child/adolescent or for others. While it is important to understand the sexual development of children, it is also important to understand sexual behaviors that are of concern, are problematic, and/or need intervention. When children or adolescents act out, it may be that they have experienced some kind of sexual abuse. The behavior may be in response to trauma that has not been dealt with, or they may act out because it gives them a sense of control over the trauma. Whatever the reason, the behavior needs attention. The following is a list of sexual behaviors that may require an adult response, correction, or may be illegal and require immediate intervention.

Behavior that requires adult response:

Sexual preoccupation/anxiety that interferes with daily functioning

Pornographic interest

Promiscuity/multiple sexual partners

Sexually aggressive themes/obscenities

Sexual graffiti that is chronic or affects others

Embarrassment of others with sexual themes

Violation of other's body space, such as pulling down pants, pulling up shirt

Single occurrence of peeping, exposing, or frottage (rubbing against others as a sexual gesture)